Autopsies completed in fatal shootings

No arrests made in either case, police say.

No arrests made in either case, police say.

September 12, 2006|ALICIA GALLEGOS Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Authorities have completed the autopsies in two fatal shootings that occurred over the weekend, although only one has been officially ruled a homicide. Family members have confirmed that 18-year-old Jeramy Lee Briones died early Saturday in the 1100 block of East Haney Street. According to police reports, Briones was shot in the chest about 1:25 a.m., reportedly during a fight. An autopsy confirmed that Briones died from a single gunshot wound, St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit Commander Tim Corbett said Monday. His death has been ruled a homicide. Investigators have interviewed at least 20 people who were near the area when the shooting occurred, Corbett said, and police continue to question witnesses. Homicide officers are also investigating a second shooting Saturday in the 700 block of East Indiana Avenue. A 22-year-old man was found shot in the head by officers about 4 a.m., according to police reports. Corbett said although an autopsy has been completed, investigators are still determining how the man died. His death does not appear to be a homicide, Corbett said, and could be possibly accidental or a suicide, but police have not confirmed anything yet. Neither Briones' name nor the other victim's name had been officially released by Metro Homicide or the coroner's office late Monday, although both deaths reportedly happened early Saturday. But police reports indicate that the victim in the Indiana Avenue shooting was 22-year-old Nicholas Donaldson.